Service Contracts: Enhancing Manufacturing Efficiency
Service contracts with a reputable system integrator can lead to sustained growth and enhanced efficiency for plant managers seeking to improve their plant operations.
Introduction and Background
For the past four years, Cornerstone Automation has offered service agreement options to its clients. This initiative stemmed from a common occurrence observed during on-site projects: customers often requested assistance with unrelated issues that didn’t merit a separate service call. Particularly among larger clients, there was a noticeable volume of work addressing minor issues or improving overall quality, which didn’t justify the resources required for a quoted project or an emergency call. Recognizing the need for a proactive approach, Cornerstone Automation introduced service contracts. These contracts enable them to regularly address any concerns as they arise, leading to improved quality overall and client satisfaction.
Maintenance and Service Contracts
The best approach to service contracts is flexible and tailored to the specific needs and resources of each customer. The agreements range from two to four days a month, with varying staffing configurations based on client requirements. Some clients provide experienced maintenance personnel to collaborate on-site, which helps to minimize their costs and provides a form of hands-on training. These personnel typically include maintenance technicians, occasionally with specialized skills like electrical expertise. Service technicians often interact with maintenance supervisors, plant engineers, or maintenance managers, depending on the structure of each plant. The primary goal is to empower customers by fostering understanding and ownership of their equipment.
Understanding the Manufacturing Environment
When working with manufacturing plants, service teams face challenges such as identifying recurring issues and optimizing system performance. A common approach involves analyzing problems as they arise and brainstorming preventive measures. This may entail adding alarms or interlocks to alert operators of potential issues or stop machines when necessary. Sometimes, conducting a deeper dive into diagnosing frequent stops or malfunctions is necessary, requiring close monitoring of production lines to pinpoint underlying causes.
In such cases, adjustments like tweaking PLC code or collaborating with the customer to redesign machine components may be necessary. Improving system performance and reliability requires a proactive approach. System integrators conduct failure analysis and implement solutions to prevent future breakdowns or disruptions. Regular observation of production lines helps identify opportunities for enhancements tailored to each plant’s specific requirements.
Collaboration with Plant Managers
Effective communication plays a pivotal role in the collaborative process between the system integrator’s team and manufacturing plant managers during the execution of a service contract. Plant managers maintain regular contact with the service team, communicating informally during site visits as well as through phone calls and online troubleshooting sessions. Formal project reviews are conducted periodically to align priorities and ensure timely resolution of urgent issues while progressing on long-term improvement projects.
Field Service and Onsite Support
Service contracts foster continuous communication and relationship-building between service professionals and plant personnel. This constant contact leads to a deeper understanding of plant operations and machinery over time compared to one-off service projects. Prompt response times and efficient issue resolution are ensured through regular communication channels, allowing plant managers to reach out for assistance easily anytime during the week. The benefit of scheduled service contracts is evident, as non-urgent issues can be addressed within the planned visit, saving both time and costs for the plant. This proactive stance promotes efficiency and streamlines the resolution process, even in emergency situations requiring immediate attention.
Invest in Operational Excellence: The Benefits of Service Contracts
By ensuring compliance with industry regulations, providing comprehensive training and knowledge transfer, and offering flexible maintenance and support, service contracts facilitate robust and resilient manufacturing operations. These contracts are regularly evaluated to proactively address potential issues, underscoring their significant value. Manufacturing plant managers should recognize the advantages of service contracts in enhancing operational reliability and reducing downtime.
For plant managers seeking to improve their plant operations, considering service contract options with a reputable system integrator can lead to sustained growth and enhanced efficiency. Understanding the benefits and practical applications of these contracts will enable your team to maintain optimal performance and effectively navigate the challenges of the manufacturing industry. If you’d like to discuss how a service contract could benefit your facility reach out today!